Travel to Morocco Pavilion

Architecture and Gardens There is no formal garden area inside the Morocco Pavilion. There are some potted North African plants, and citrus, date palm, and olive trees scattered throughout the pavilion. The building designs were created with input from the Moroccan government, which sets this pavilion apart from all the others. (Their designs were guided by business corporations.) The level of artistry is superb in Morocco and is a testimony to the dedication of their craftsmanship. More native Moroccans served on this pavilion building project than natives of any other country in World Showcase. You will understand why Morocco is often referred to as the Jewel of North Africa after seeing its pavilion in Epcot. To the left in the Morocco Pavilion is the Gallery of Arts and History. Head inside to learn more about the culture of the Moroccan people. The building is air conditioned and has limited seating. You will find many treasures inside. Once you walk through the heavy wooden doors, look behind you for a colorful stained glass surprise. Next door is the Fez House, which is a representation of a typical home in Morocco. This is a treasure for the eyes. The tile work and carving are amazing. If it is quiet, you may be able to hear the voices of children playing outside. There is a beautiful tiled fountain here as well. Don’t miss the mosaics and the geometric patterns throughout the architecture. The central courtyard allows privacy that city living cannot always afford. This style of house was designed in the 14th century. To the right is a representation of the 12th century Koutoubia Minaret from Marrakesh Tower, which is a prayer tower in the Marrakesh mosque. Moslem believers climb to the top of the tower to say their prayers. The Epcot tower can be seen from most of World Showcase. Because so much of the architecture within the Morocco Pavilion is of a religious nature, the light show from IllumiNations does not illuminate the buildings. A replica of the Bab Boujelout (bab means gateway) leads you into the Bazaar section of the Medina, or Old City. On the front side of the gateway is a replication of the city of Fez, representing the New City. Also represented is a Chellah minaret. This minaret is a replica of one found in Chellah, a historical site located at the edge of Rabat, Morocco’s capital. Rabat was founded by the Romans as a maritime station. Later, in the 14th century, Chellah was rebuilt by the sultans to become their necropolis and retreat. This is identified within the pavilion by a brass sign. King Hassan II of Morocco sent his royal Moroccan artisans to design and create the complicated mosaic tile work that is seen throughout the pavilion. These colorful tiles never have an artistic representation of live objects because that is against Islamic religious law. The government of Morocco is still the sponsor of the pavilion, rather than business corporations or Disney like the other World Showcase countries.